Lawns At Thornton Hall - WIRRAL

Had a lovely festive afternoon tea on Saturday. The quality of the food was excellent and the staff were friendly and attentive, nothing was too much trouble. We have done this for the last few years to get into the festive spirit and we weren’t disappointed!

I booked in for Sunday lunch with my dad but nearly cancelled when I read some of the most recent reviews. But I needn't have worried everything was really good in terms of food, service, and atmosphere. We had scallops to start and they were perfectly cooked in a delicious garlic sauce. Then we had chicken liver parfait which was incredible so smooth and rich and perfectly complemented by the brambles and sauce. I then had sea bream and my dad had mushroom risotto. Both very tasty although if I had one complaint I'd say the risotto was a tiny bit salty. The mushrooms (hen of the woods and chanterelle) were delicious. I then had lemon choux which was a lovely flavour bomb very sweet and sour with complex flavours. Dad was too full for dessert! Our server was (I believe) the restaurant manager and he was exceptionally kind and knowledgeable. Perhaps he'd taken control himself based on the recent reviews? He did an excellent job as did the young women supporting him with the service. Finally the location couldn't be beaten we had a window seat overlooking the beautiful lawn and trees and were entertained by the squirrels playing and chasing each other. We had a wonderful meal and were so glad we chose this restaurant for our lunch.

I have dined here in the past and the standard of food was high. My review is intended to provide constructive feedback. I appreciate this is such a difficult time for everyone in this industry. The Lawns has great potential but needs to find its identity. The room is lovely and grand. The staff are enthusiastic, friendly, down to Earth. The menu reads well. I feel the prices are fair and competitive. Sadly, the food, for the most part, was poorly executed. For example, unpleasant bread ‘toasted crutes’ served with the chicken parfait (and a nice onion relish). The ‘ crutes’ do not work, on any level. My salmon (overcooked) with noodles (over salted) no pak choi or spinach (as suggested on the menu). Finally a Tiramisu which was the most bizarre interpretation of a tiramisu I have ever tasted. Without wishing to sound dramatic, it was inedible but was very graciously removed from the bill, thank you. Here’s hoping things get better.

It takes a lot for me to want to leave a place a negative review but I feel others should know what they’re up against before coming. We Went here as part of the overnight package with access to spa, you get £30 per head off the meal… No complaints re spa and rooms but the meal was awful! For starters the service was so slow, and if you dared asked for anything outside the menu such as a glass of water.. forget it… Twice I had to go in after requesting water which just seemed to be forgotten about. Food was bland and dry also.. for the price of it £18 for a dry piece of chicken an egg and about 10 chips..no sauce at all. So dry! I wouldn’t go back here again Terrible experience!

Great food and service perfect for meeting friends and family. The menu was easy to order from, will definitely return